Looking for a new camera on a limited budget? Claire Gillo rounds up the best new and second-hand cameras under £300 / £300.
In this guide to the Best DSLR Camera Under 300 we’re going to give you all the pointers you need to pick up a mid-range bargain camera. Finding a good camera at this price is mostly about scanning the second-hand markets, so many of our picks are cameras you’ll need to pick up pre-owned.
This is just a fact of life and cameras – the pre-owned market will get you significantly more bang for your buck, if you can live with a few scuffs around the body and a less comprehensive warranty.
Different Types of Cameras Under $300
However, we know not everyone likes to buy used gear, so we have also included a few options that can buy new with a £300 / $300 budget. Just be aware that these will be simpler, point-and-shoot cameras.
This list includes many cameras that our review team has spent hands-on time with – so you can be sure you’re getting premium recommendations from photographers who know their business. We’ll never recommend a camera that we don’t believe is worth the asking price.
If your budget is a little higher than this, check out our guide to the Best DSLR Camera Under 300. Alternatively, if you need to save a little more, we also have a guide to the best cameras under £200 / $200.Best cameras under £300 / $300 – second hand
Buy a second-hand can be intimidating at first, but there are plenty of reputable used-gear dealers around, all of whom have our complete confidence. While you can take your chances on site like eBay, and potentially nab yourself a bargain, you’ll have little to no recourse if the gear you buy turns out to be faulty.
They will check over all used gear before selling it on to be sure it works, and offer a guarantee that it’s in good working order. While this won’t be as comprehensive or as long as the warranty you get with new cameras (a period between three and six months is common), it’ll help assure you that you’re not about to waste your money.
- Our list of recommended second hand dealers are as follows:
These aren’t your only options, but there’s plenty of choice here, and all of them have well-earned reputations for honest, reliable dealing.
Check over the listing for a second-hand camera. Most good retailers will upload actual photos of the camera you’ll be buying. Marks and scratches generally aren’t anything to worry about, so don’t necessarily be put off by cosmetic damage. A camera doesn’t have to be pretty to take great pictures!
If you’re purchasing a Best DSLR Camera Under 300, one important step is to check the shutter count. The mechanical mirror mechanism of a DSLR means that shutters will wear down and become less reliable over time, so it’s important to know how many pictures a DSLR can take before you buy it.
Generally, an entry-level DSLR will be rated to comfortably go through around 100,000 shutter actuations, a mid-range DSLR around 150,000, and a professional DSLR at least 300,000. Often of course, they’ll manage significantly more than this, but it’s a good starting point to get a sense of how well-used a DSLR camera is. With mirrorless cameras and compacts, it’s less of a concern as they don’t have a mirror mechanism. Specs and features to look for when buying a second hand camera.
- APS-C vs Full-Frame
When it comes to buying a camera, there are numerous aspects to consider. Take into account: Camera type – i.e. is the camera a DSLR, mirrorless, medium format, bridge or compact? Image sensor type, size and resolution, APS-C vs Full-Frame .
LCD screen and viewfinder (size and resolution)What features are included on the camera i.e. Burst mode setting (measured in frames per second (fps)), ISO range and video quality IN-body image stabilization (mirrorless cameras)Weight and builders mount and lens choice availability Best DSLR Camera Under 300 – what type of camera should I buy?
Think hard about what you need. Make sure your camera is up to scratch for your style of photography, but with plenty of room to grow and develop your skills. If you simply want to point and shoot, and have little interest in learning things like manual exposure control, then a compact or bridge camera is plenty. If you want to broaden your photographic horizons and develop your technique, a DSLR or mirrorless camera may be a better option for you.
Think about the weight and build of the camera and how it will suit your photography. For example, if you want to do lots of street photography then a small and lightweight body will suit you best. Mirrorless cameras are also smaller and lighter than many DSLRs.
- Budget
If budget is an issue, but weight less so, there are many brilliant, second-hand DSLRs available. Since the progression of mirrorless technology you’re much more likely to bag a bargain as other photographers make the jump. Image sensor size and resolution
Although we often first look at how many megapixels a camera has, this really isn’t the most important aspect – instead, concentrate on the sensor type. There are various sensor types (and sizes) that include:Medium FormatFull Frame (FF)APS-CMicro Four Thirds (MFT)1”1/2.3”
As an example of why megapixels aren’t always so important, a 16 megapixel, full frame sensor will perform better than a 40 megapixel 1/2.3” sensor.
Full frame or a medium-format sensors generally produce better quality results in lowlight and create a softer background blur at wider aperture settings. An APS-C (cropped sensor) or Micro Four Thirds is good option for sports or wildlife photography as it gives a tighter viewpoint. Most compact cameras come with a 1/2.3” image sensor – there are limitations to how well these can perform.
Read our guide to APS-C, Full-Frame, and Micro Four Thirds sensors.
- Best DSLR Camera Under 300 – Features to look out for
The main features to consider when looking for a camera under £300/$300 are the ISO range, burst mode capability and video quality.
Then you’ll need a camera with a higher burst mode feature. You may need to compromise when shopping on a budget so try to priorities just one or two features to ensure you can find a camera that ticks both your budget and your needs. Best DSLR Camera Under 300
Finally, do some research on lenses before you buy into a camera system. Each manufacturer’s system is different and there’s a huge variety of lenses out there. If you’re switching from a DSLR system to mirrorless, and want to keep some or all your old lenses, remember you’ll need to purchase a compatible adapter mount to ensure they fit.
Now you know what to look for here is our list of the best cameras under £300/$300.1. Fujifilm X-T10
- Fujifilm X-T10. Photo credit: Andy Westlake
At a glance:16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensorISO 200-6400 (raw), 100-51,200 (JPEG)Single SD card slot8fps continuous shooting381g (with battery and card)Price: from £250/$290 approx.
The Fujifilm X-T10 was announced back in 2015 and has since been succeeded by the X-T20 and X-T30. It remains a very capable camera provided you’re aware of its limitations. Its autofocus is a bit sluggish compared to the latest X-series models and you get far fewer AF points across the frame.
On the plus side, we found it handled extremely well for a camera that’s small in build, and loved its rich and vibrant colours produced by its 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
The X-T10 has also been beautifully designed and the classic retro body build will turn any head. Finally, the X-T10 is supported by a wide range of excellent lenses.
Pros:Gorgeous retro-style designExcellent JPEG qualityWell-engineered handling
Cons:Sluggish autofocusRelatively few AF points
Best DSLR Camera Under 300 for street photographers
Read our second hand review of the Fujifilm X-T10 to get our full detailed analysis.2. Canon EOS 6D
- Canon EOS 6D. Photo credit: Andy Westlake
At a glance:20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensorISO 50-102,400 (extended)97% viewfinder coverage3in, 1.04-million-dot fixed screen755g (including battery and card)Price: from £200/$300 approx.
The full frame Canon EOS 6D is an excellent camera that comes with some impressive specs, including its full frame 20.2MP CMOS image sensor. It is launched ten years ago it was met with great enthusiasm and the first affordable full frame DSLR camera. Hobbyists who previously couldn’t upgrade to full frame camera bodies could now take advantage.
Depending on what condition you pick one up in will determine the price. A used Canon EOS 6D under the £300 / $300 budget. But if you want a model in good condition with a lower shutter count, you’ll have to push the budget up by another £100 – taking you over the £300 / $300 mark.
In our review of the Canon EOS 6D we found it to respond impressively to noise, come with intuitive controls and have an excellent battery life. The basic autofocus system, single SD card slot and lack of vari-angle LCD screen are all a bit disappointing.
Pros:Full-frame sensorExcellent control systemVery good battery life
Cons:Pushes upper end of budgetBasic autofocus
Best DSLR Camera Under 300 for studio photographers on a budget
Review of the Canon EOS 6D3. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
- Olympus OM-D. Photo credit: Andy Westlake
At a glance:16MP, Four Thirds image sensor40-million-pixel high-resolution composite mode ISO 100-25600 (extended)3in. 1.04M-dot LCD2.36M dot EVF, 0.74x equip magnification1/8000sec max shutter speed Price: from £290/$300 approx.
The Olympus OM-D EM-5 MK II succeeded the OM-D E-M5 back in 2015 and came with some excellent upgrades. Such as the faster burst mode rate, 40-million-pixel high-resolution composite mode and more efficient AF system. The EM MK II succeeded by the OM-D E-M5 Mark III meaning. There are plenty of second-hand models available on the market. These vary in price depending on quality.
When we reviewed the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II back in 2015 we gave it five stars. The robust and weather-resistant body is also well made and the excellent custom controls another big tick on our list.
Pros:Fast, high-quality shootingWeather-resistant bodyHuge MFT lens range
Cons:Smaller sensorAnd megapixel count
Best DSLR Camera Under 300 for photographers on the go
Read the five-star review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II4. Sony A6000
- Sony A6000 camera
At a glance:24.3-million-pixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensorISO 100-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600)Three times faster Bionz X image-processing engine179-point hybrid AF systemFast 0.06sec autofocus acquisition speedPrice: from £259/$300 approx.
Despite being eight years old the Sony A6000 is still an excellent camera. When we reviewed it back in 2014 we gave it a well-deserved five stars. This camera merged Sony’s mirrorless NEX technology with Sony’s Alpha D-SLR technology, creating the start of a long line of Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras.
In our review we stated the 24.3-million-pixel, APS-C-sized image sensor in the Sony Alpha 6000 features a gapless on-chip design. This increases the camera’s light-collecting efficiency for improved low-light shooting and reduces noise throughout its ISO 100-25,600 sensitivity range. Another plus we found was the response time of the Alpha 6000’s 179-point hybrid AF system, which was exceedingly fast, and with no discernible shutter lag.
This camera strikes an impressive balance between aesthetics and performance. It’s compatible with a wide range of E mount lenses.
Pros:Great low-light performancePunchy, reliable autofocusSolid burst performance
Cons:Ergonomics aren’t the bestMenus can be confusing
Best camera under £300 / $300 for enthusiast photographers
Read why we gave the Sony A6000 five stars5. Nikon D600
- Nikon D600
At a glance:24.3-million-pixel, full-frame CMOS sensor Exped 3 processor ISO 100-6400 (ISO 50-25,600 extended). Multi-CAM 4800 39-point AF3D Color Matrix II metering3.2in, 921,000-dot TFT LCD5.5fps. continuous shooting Full HD 1080p video capture Price: from £295/$295 approx.
When Nikon launched the Nikon D600 ten years ago it was just shy of £2000. Fast forward to today’s second hand market and one in good condition can be pick up from MPB for just £294. If you spend a little bit more, you can get one in excellent condition with a shutter count of just 16,000. That’s a pretty good deal but it will take you over the £300 mark.
In our review of the Nikon D600 we gave it a solid four stars and perhaps. It would have even crept up to five had it had a cheaper price tag.
The D600 comes with a full frame 24.3-million-pixel image sensor, and images are detailed and remain low in noise. It launched it filled the gap between the semi-professional market and advanced hobbyist shooter and still offers this type of photographer plenty to work with. Second-hand, this camera is an excellent deal and one worth pursuing.
Pros:Solid do-everything cameraExcellent image detailGood handling and control options
Cons:Upper end of budgetNo built-in Wi-Fi
Best for camera under £300 / $300 for portrait photographers
Review of the Nikon D6006. Canon EOS 5D Mark II
- Canon EOS 5D Mark II
At a glance:21.1 million effective pixels Full-frame CMOS sensor ISO 100-6400 .(expandable 50, 12,800 and 25,600)3in, 920,000-dot LCD screen Full HD (1080p) video recording Price: from £204/$279 approx.
The Canon EOS 5D MK II comes from the legendary Canon 5D line and the model still has a great reputation even in today’s market.
The 21.1 full frame image sensor and full HD video are impressive specs for a camera that’s now 13 years old. This camera over £2000 when it is launched. Now a second hand model can be picked up for under £300 depending on the condition and shutter count. At MPB they have a large range to pick from.
When we reviewed the Canon EOS 5D Mk II we found it performed solidly across all our areas of testing and gave it a reliable four stars.
The ISO range is a little low compared with cameras of today’s standards. However, for landscapes or studio photography this shouldn’t bother you.
Pros:Superb video optionsGreat price for full-frameBroad EF lens range
Cons:ISO range somewhat pedestrianTop end of budget
Best camera under £300 / $300 for landscape photographers
Reviewed: Canon EOS 5D Mark II7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
At a glance:16-megapixel Four Thirds sensor2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinderContinuous shooting: 8.6 fpsStabilisation: 5-axis in-body stabilisationVideo: Up to 4K-video resolutionPrice: £254/$299 approx.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a mirrorless camera with an interchangeable lens. Based on the Micro Four Thirds design. When we reviewed it a few years ago we stated that it was made for budding photographers who want to take a step up from their smartphone camera. This is still true today.
The OM-D E-M10 Mark III, is the upgrade from the MK II, and when it launched in 2017. It gained an updated 121-point autofocus system and 4K video recording thanks to Olympus’s True Pic VIII processor. Apart from those changes, the MK III and II are pretty much identical.
Pros:Good 4K featuresCapable autofocusLots of lenses
Cons:Mark II similar, and cheaperSmaller sensor
Best DSLR Camera Under 300for beginner photographers
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III review8. Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7
- Canon EOS 2000D with lens
At a glance:24.1 million effective pixelsAPS-C CMOS sensorISO 100-12,8003in, 920,000-dot LCD screenFull HD (1080p) video recordingPrice: from £240/$279 approx.
Canon has released quite a few entry-level DSLRs, and the EOS 2000D is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive. It offers a good balance of features, performance and price, Especially if you don’t mind picking one up second-hand, which you can comfortably do for less than Best DSLR Camera Under 300. With an APS-C sensor, it’ll produce images of markedly superior quality to a smartphone. EF-S lens mount at your disposal means access to loads of lenses, Canon-made and otherwise.
It’s a pretty basic camera, as we said in our full review, but our main sticking point with the EOS 2000D originally was its price, and on the second-hand market that becomes a good deal more reasonable. You don’t get 4K video, so those interested in video would probably be better off with a sub-£300 camera from Olympus or Panasonic. However, for beginner photographers, the EOS 2000D is extremely user-friendly, and provides a superb platform on which to learn the ropes.
Pros:Very user-friendlyAPS-C sensorFast NFC connectivity
Cons:A lot of competitionGenerally solid but unexciting
Best DSLR Camera Under 300 for beginners wanting to learn
Read our full Canon EOS 2000D review (updated for 2022)9. Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82
- Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82
At a glance:18.1MP sensor 1/2.3” inch60x optical zoom20mm – 1200mm viewMaximum ISO 6400Burst mode 10fps3” LCD touch screenWeight: approx. 616g with battery and SD memory cardPrice: from £299/$299 approx.
The first camera to make it onto our list that isn’t second hand is the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82. This camera can go ultra-wide to ultra-zoom. It’s a great point-and-shoot for those who have no camera skills and are looking for an easy to operate system.
The mode dial on top of the camera allows you to take full creative control by shooting in Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority or Manual if you wish. There are also lots of scene modes to choose from. This camera could be a great starting point for a beginner who has no photographic expertise, and is unsure how far they want to take their hobby. For those who have bigger aspirations, we’d recommend purchasing something more advanced.
Pros:All-in-one shooterCan be bought new for less than £300Useful scene modes for beginners
Cons:Smaller sensorLimit to how advanced you can get
Best DSLR Camera Under 300 for beginners wanting to capture wildlife or sports10. Canon Power Shot SX430 IS
- Canon Power Shot SX430 IS
At a glance:20MP 1/2.3 type CCD sensor24mm wide45x optical zoom Intelligent IS Maximum f stop – f/3.5 – f/6.8Video (HD) 1280 x 720, 25 fps Price: from £300/$300 approx.
The Canon PowerShot SX430 IS is another bridge camera that makes it onto our list. Retailing new with a RRP of £299.99 this camera just comes in under budget.
This camera however doesn’t include a mode dial on top, making it very much a point and shoot aimed at beginners.
However, sport some nice features such as the 45x optical zoom that goes from a 24mm view to 1080mm, plus intelligent IS meaning you can shoot steady shots even in lower light or when you’re zoomed right in to your subject. Finally, the Power Shot SX430 IS also includes Wi-Fi with Dynamic NFC, meaning you can instantly share images.
Pros:Generous optical and digital zoomEasy to useIntelligent stabilisation
Cons:Smaller sensorNo mode dial
Best DSLR Camera Under 300 Looking for more budget round-ups and guides? Check out these other articles:
How to check a second-hand lens for faults Best cameras under £200 / $200Best second-hand camera systems for under £1000
